Symptoms of premature rupture of fetal membranes

  The fetal membranes are tightly attached to the uterine wall and surround the fetus and amniotic fluid, providing protection to the fetus. Normally, the membranes rupture during labor and the fetus is delivered; however, when the membranes rupture before labor, it is called premature rupture of membranes.  Most of the pregnant women feel a sudden flow of fluid from the vagina, while some of them only feel a wetter vulva than usual; sometimes there may be fetal fat and feces mixed with other signs of labor such as abdominal pain. In case of amniotic cavity infection, the patient will have foul smelling vaginal fluid, fever, increased maternal and fetal heart rate, and uterine pressure pain.  Because premature rupture of membranes can cause preterm labor, placental abruption, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord prolapse, fetal distress and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and can also lead to significantly higher rates of maternal and fetal infection and perinatal morbidity and mortality, pregnant women with these symptoms are advised to seek prompt medical attention. The diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes is confirmed when the patient is found to have an accumulation of amniotic fluid in the posterior vaginal vault or an outflow of amniotic fluid from the uterine orifice, which is often followed by contractions and dilatation of the uterine orifice.  In conclusion, the symptoms of premature rupture of fetal membranes are sudden vaginal fluid flow and the need to lie flat and seek medical attention.